What is cholesterol? How it can be controlled?


Cholesterol is synthesised in the liver which processes various important functions including, keeping the cell walls flexibles and make several hormones. It can also be consumed through food. Cholesterol is of two types, low- density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high- density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol. 3MEDS, the best medicine app in India, explains the importance of cholesterol and its management.

Defining cholesterol

Cholesterol doesn’t mix with water- based blood, as it is oil- based substance. It travels in lipoproteins, around the body. Main functions of cholesterol include, contribute to the structure of the cell walls, make up digestive bile acids in the intestine, allows body to produce vitamin D and enable the body to make few hormones.

High cholesterol complications

·         Heart attacks

·         Chest pain

·         Diabetes

·         Liver or kidney diseases

·         Polycystic ovary syndrome

·         Pregnancy

·         Stroke

·         Underactive thyroid gland

·         Drugs like progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the chances of bad cholesterol are-

·         Poor diet

·         Lack of exercise

·         Obesity

·         Smoking

·         Age factor

·         Diabetes

Cholesterol control management


1.      Monounsaturated fats

It helps to reduce the oxidation of lipoproteins, that contributes to clogged arteries. Consuming a diet with high monounsaturated fat, increase beneficial HDL by 12% compared to diet low in saturated fat. Some of the good sources of monounsaturated fat includes canola oil, avocados, olives, olive oil and tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and cashews.

2.      Polyunsaturated fats

They are heart healthy and reduce the risk of diabetes. Especially, Omega -3 fats hold extra heart benefits. These are found in high amounts in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and deep sea tuna like Bluefin or albacore. Also, in selfish to a lesser degree like shrimp.

3.      Trans fats

Avoid foods with ‘partially hydrogenated’ oil, as the ingredients contain trans fats which are harmful. Read the ingredients labelled in the nutrition list of the product, sometimes they mislead saying it serves fat less than 0.5 grams or 0 grams.

4.      Soluble fiber

Eat soluble fibers which are a group of different compounds in plants that dissolve in water. They nourished healthy probiotic gut bacteria and removes cholesterol from the body by reducing LDL. Some of the good sources include beans, peas, lentils, fruit, psyllium and whole grains like oats.

5.      Exercise

Schedule to practise exercise for minimum of 30 minutes for most days of the week. It will improve cholesterol and promotes heart health. Intense the exercise, greater the benefit.

6.      Weight

Losing weight can reduce total cholesterol. Though, it is a doubt benefit on cholesterol by increasing beneficial HDL and decreasing harmful LDL.

7.      Smoke

Don’t smoke, as practicing it will increase bad lipoproteins and decrease good HDL. It will hinder the body’s ability to send cholesterol back to the liver to be stored or broken down. This effects can be reversed if smoking is avoiding.

8.      Alcohol in moderation

Ethanol in alcoholic drinks will increase HDL and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Consumption of 1- 2 drinks per day will improve HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of clogged arteries. Intake of heavier alcohol will increase heart disease risk and harm the liver.

9.      Plant sterols and stanols

These are found in vegetable oil or margarines. Small amounts are also found in certain oils and butter substitutes. They compete with cholesterol absorption and reduce LDL by up to 20%.

10.  Supplements

Fish oil supplements and soluble fiber supplements like psyllium improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Coenzyme Q10 supplements reduce total cholesterol levels. One can avail these supplement from 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India.

11.  Laugh

Laughing is the best medicine, as it can increase HDL.

12.  Stress management

Relax yourself. Avoid the feeling of anxiety and stress, as it may contribute to increased HDL.

13.  Medications

Common choice of medications includes, statins, bile- acid- binding resins, Cholesterol absorption inhibitors and injectable medications.

Ending note

Cholesterol play an important in the body by functioning in different aspects from cell wall structure to production of hormones. Ignorance in its maintenance can lead to many health complications like heart disease and more. Considering the precautionary methods will lead to personalised approach to treatment and prevention of high cholesterol level.  

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